>> well, it's people like senator john mccain, a vietnam veteran himself and member of the ranking armed services committee. here is what he had to say. >> i think women are obviously are prepared to serve side by side with men in combat. i just want to emphasize though, there should be the same physical and mental standards for anyone to perform certain roles and functions in the military. >> reporter: and many women say it's a question of equal rights as well, since serving in combat allows the soldiers to advance through the ranks farther and faster. >> harris: steve centanni reporting live from washington. thank you very much. >> reporter: you bet. >> harris: for the seconds time in two days we're hearing from former republican vice-presidential nominee wisconsin congressman paul ryan. hours ago, congressman ryan questioned president obama's economic strategy and called for a serious down payment on reducing our nation's ballooning debt. he was also asked about his thoughts on a possible presidential run atop the ticket in 2016 and he had an answer. >> i think it's premature. i've go